The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges worldwide, and India has been no exception. Among the most heart-wrenching impacts is the plight of children who have lost one or both parents to the virus. In Uttar Pradesh, approximately 197 children have been identified as orphans due to COVID-19, with another 1,799 having lost one parent. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana to support these vulnerable children. This initiative provides not only financial assistance but also a range of essential services to help them navigate their future.
Understanding Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana
Name of the Scheme: Chief Minister’s Child Service Scheme
Launched By: Government of Uttar Pradesh
Beneficiaries: Children orphaned due to COVID-19
Objective: Providing comprehensive support to orphaned children
Official Website: https://balvikas.missionvatsalyaup.in/
Year: 2024
Subsidies: Rs. 4000 per month
Application Type: Online/Offline
The Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana, inaugurated on May 30, 2021, by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to assist children who have lost their parents to COVID-19. The scheme offers a monthly financial assistance of Rs. 4000 to the child or their guardian for their upbringing. Additionally, the scheme covers educational expenses and provides financial support for marriage.
Key Features and Benefits
- Monthly Financial Assistance: Eligible children receive Rs. 4000 per month until they become adults.
- Marriage Assistance: The scheme offers Rs. 101,000 for the marriage of girls.
- Residential Facilities: Children under 10 years without a guardian are provided with housing in Government Children’s Homes. Girls receive separate residential facilities.
- Educational Support: All school and college-going children under this scheme are given laptops/tablets to aid their studies.
- Healthcare and Insurance: Beneficiary children are covered under health insurance through the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, with premiums paid by the government.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh.
- Children who lost both parents or their earning parent due to COVID-19.
- Children whose surviving parent earns Rs. 200,000 or less annually.
- The child must be 18 years or younger.
Required Documents
Applicants need to submit the following documents:
- Proof of Uttar Pradesh residency
- Child’s age certificate
- Death certificates of parents
- Income certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of educational institution registration
- Address proof
- Marriage-related documents for marriage assistance
Application Process
To apply for the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana, follow these steps:
- Collect Application Form: Visit the Gram Vikas/Panchayat Officer or District Probation Officer office for rural areas, or the Lekhpal, Tehsil, or District Probation Officer office for urban areas to obtain the application form.
- Fill in Details: Provide all required information such as name, mobile number, and email ID.
- Attach Documents: Attach all necessary documents with the application form.
- Submit Form: Submit the completed form to the relevant office.
The District Child Protection Unit and Child Welfare Committee will identify eligible children, and the application process will be completed within 15 days. Applications can be submitted within two years of the parents’ death, and benefits are provided from the date of approval.
Special Provisions for ITI Trainees
The scheme also extends to ITI trainees meeting specific criteria:
- Trainees must be below 18 years of age.
- Parents must have died due to COVID-19.
- Trainees can apply in the nodal ITI of their district.
Ensuring a Brighter Future
The Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana is a critical initiative in ensuring the welfare of children affected by the pandemic. By providing financial stability, educational support, and healthcare, the Uttar Pradesh government is committed to securing the future of these children and ensuring they do not have to rely on others for their needs.
For more information and to apply, visit the official website.
Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana FAQs:
What is the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana?
The Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana is a welfare scheme launched by the Uttar Pradesh government to support children orphaned due to COVID-19. It offers financial assistance, educational support, and other essential services to help these children.
Who is eligible for the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana?
Eligibility criteria include children who are permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh, have lost both parents or their earning parent to COVID-19, and whose surviving parent earns ₹200,000 or less annually. The child must be 18 years or younger.
How much financial assistance is provided under the scheme?
Eligible children receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹4000. Additionally, the scheme offers ₹101,000 for the marriage of girls.
What other benefits does the scheme offer?
The scheme provides residential facilities for children under 10 without a guardian, laptops/tablets for students, and health insurance under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme with premiums paid by the government.
How can I apply for the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana?
You can apply by visiting the Gram Vikas/Panchayat Officer or District Probation Officer office in rural areas, or the Lekhpal, Tehsil, or District Probation Officer office in urban areas. Obtain and fill out the application form, attach necessary documents, and submit it to the relevant office.
What documents are required to apply for the scheme?
Required documents include proof of Uttar Pradesh residency, child’s age certificate, death certificates of parents, income certificate (if applicable), proof of educational institution registration, address proof, and marriage-related documents for marriage assistance.
Is there a deadline to apply for the scheme?
Applications can be submitted within two years of the death of the parents. Benefits are provided from the date of approval.
Are ITI trainees eligible for the scheme?
Yes, ITI trainees who are below 18 years of age and have lost their parents due to COVID-19 are eligible. They can apply in the nodal ITI of their district.
How long will the financial assistance be provided?
Financial assistance will be provided until the child reaches adulthood.
Where can I get more information about the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana?
For more information and to apply, visit the official website at https://balvikas.missionvatsalyaup.in/ or contact the local offices of Gram Vikas/Panchayat Officer, District Probation Officer, or the ITI nodal office in your district.
